17 Apr 2019

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks has accused Maun residents of provoking wild animals found in their territory.

Mr Timothy Blackbeard, the department’s regional coordinator was speaking in an interview on April 16 following a mission to rescue  a hippopotamus along the drying Thamalakane River in Maun.

He  said the department decided to rescue the hippopotamus since it was a threat to humans and was reported to have damaged some property.

Mr Blackbeard pointed out that the risk was exacerbated by people who threw stones at the animal, especially children on some fishing escapades. 

The rescue mission proved challenging as the animal managed to hide from the speed boat and had to be darted.

Unfortunately the hippo died as it fell into the reeds after being darted and suffocated, he said.

He said the department put people’s safety first while also ensuring the safety of wild animals.

Another worrying issue, he said, was the behaviour of people towards crocodiles found in the Thamalakane River adding that one woman was attacked by the reptile last Sunday. 

Mr Blackbeard further cautioned the public to desist from provoking elephants moving across the village.

He said it had come to light that some members of the public threw things at elephants while some motorists hooted at them.

Mr Blackbeard said the department was also concerned about members of the public who shot elephants noting that two were reported to have been shot at Haina Veld farms on April 16. 

He pointed out that members of the public were not trained to shoot wild animals saying they used wrong ammunition and lamented that the department’s efforts to raise awareness on the issue seemed to fall on deaf ears. ENDS